King Charles' trusted aide, Major Johnny Thompson, has officially tied the knot. The 40-year-old equerry proposed to his girlfriend of 18 months, Olivia Lewis, a London-based PR executive. Known as 'Major Eye Candy' on social media, Thompson gained public attention during the king's coronation in May 2023.
Since then, he has garnered a devoted following, often spotted at various royal events. 'The engagement is announced between Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Thompson of Morpeth, Northumberland, and Olivia Rose, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Simon Lewis OBE of Primrose Hill, London,' reads the engagement announcement, according to The Times.
Olivia, 33, is the daughter of Simon Lewis, a former communications secretary to the late Queen Elizabeth II, and later served as the director of communications for former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. She previously worked as a PR executive for King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Thompson's engagement news surfaced in February, two years after his separation from his wife Caroline, with whom he shares a son. He met his fiancée while working for the royal family; she was part of the king and queen's foreign and Commonwealth team until January 2023.
In December 2023, Olivia joined her family's PR firm, Lewis Advisors, founded by her father and elder brother, Thomas. King Charles, 75, promoted Thompson to his right-hand man last year, highlighting his crucial role in organizing the king's private affairs.
An equerry is an officer of the British royal household who assists family members. Thompson first went viral during the queen's funeral in September 2022, having previously served as her equerry and most senior bodyguard.
He was again by the king's side at the coronation, prompting social media users to express their admiration. Soon after, he ranked third on Tatler's Social Power Index, which identifies where 'real power lies in Britain.' Thompson, who has reportedly worked with Charles since 2020, is responsible for planning and executing the king's daily programs. Equerries are selected from senior officers of the British Army.
Source link: https://nypost.com